Norcross awards $65,000 in grants to six local small businesses

“While it wasn’t done by design, our pool of 2023 grant recipients is an excellent embodiment of what a culturally rich and inclusive community Norcross has become,” Norcross Mayor Craig Newton said. “Four countries and a cross-section of genders and sexual orientations were represented among this year’s grant recipients.

“While these diversities may set them apart, they all share a commitment to our community and economic development in Norcross. What earned these six business leaders an ARPA grant is that their companies have experienced an unfortunate decline due to COVID-19. It’s our hope that these funds will help foster a return to ‘business as usual’ or — even better — new growth in their client base and bottom lines.”

With award amounts based on 2019 annual revenues, this year’s ARPA Small Business Grant recipients include:

♦ CNU Medical Institute — Emelia Orubele: awarded $10,000. Located at 5855 Jimmy Carter Blvd, this technical school trains and certifies its students to work in the medical field; it also serves as a certified COVID-19 center.

♦ Kiian Silver — Viren Solanki: awarded $10,000. Located inside the Global Mall at 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, this jeweler primarily sources its jewelry from India.

♦ Fleecher Designs — Laura Balfour: awarded $10,000. Located at 35 B South Peachtree St, this full-service branding and graphic design studio is committed to “Working for those who are working for good.” Another grant recipient — The Local Peach — is their client.

♦ The Local Peach — Chef Nona D. Johnson and Briana Murray: awarded $10,000. Located at 125 Lawrenceville St. NW, this market provides chef-inspired prepared meals and catering in “a community effort yielding lasting community success.”

♦ Silky Corp DBA Ladlee — Hayal Bhatt: awarded $15,000. Located inside the Global Mall at 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, this company represents one of the largest showrooms featuring high-end Indian fashion in the country. It also provides onsite alterations.

♦ HNS Logistics — Hyung “Harry” Seon Park: awarded $10,000. Located at 5720 Buford Hwy., this Logistics & Supply Chain company primarily serves Korean businesses with import and export services.

To qualify, small business grant applicants must represent a domestic corporation in good standing in the state of Georgia, have an active Norcross business license, have experienced an annual revenue decline of 25% or more for tax years 2019 and 2020 because of COVID-19, and either operate a commercial operation within Norcross city limits with 1-10 full-time employees or a home-based operation within Norcross city limits with 2-10 full-time employees. ARPA grants may be used to pay rent, lease, or mortgage costs; utility bills; payroll; business-related insurance; inventory expenses; and other operating expenses.